Steven Smith is set to make a short comeback with the Sydney Sixers in the upcoming BBL 2023-24 season. He will be playing in the opening match against Melbourne Renegades on December 8, and there’s hope that he’ll also participate in the Sydney derby after the Pakistan Test series.

Last season, Smith made a significant impact for the Sixers, scoring 346 runs in just five innings, including two centuries – a first for a Sixers batter in the BBL. Despite limited appearances, he ranked just outside the top ten run-scorers in the tournament.

Due to the international schedule, Smith’s availability this summer will be limited. However, he is confirmed to play against Renegades at the SCG before heading to Perth for the opening Test against Pakistan on December 14. There’s a chance he might appear again against Sydney Thunder on January 12.

Unfortunately, Smith is unlikely to be available for other matches, including the finals, due to his commitments with the Australian team. Rachael Haynes, the head coach of Sydney Sixers, expressed confidence that fans can expect the same level of entertainment from Smith this season.

Smith, who opened the batting for Sixers last season, is currently fulfilling the same role in the T20I series against India. He expressed his desire to continue opening in T20 cricket, aiming to replicate his Big Bash success on the international stage.

The confirmation of Smith’s availability for the opening match follows the release of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne to play for Brisbane Heat on the first night of the competition. Other teams, like Melbourne Stars and Renegades, may also have the opportunity to field their Test players during the eight-day gap between the Sydney Test and the opening game against West Indies.

However, notable BBL withdrawals include Harry Brook (England duty) and Rashid Khan (injury), while key Australian bowlers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood are yet to be attached to any BBL teams, making their participation unlikely due to workload concerns. On a positive note, recent World Cup winners Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis are expected to be available for the entire tournament.